Shake a Leg! Uncovering Sarasota’s Best Dance Classes for Adults

Ahhh, sunny beaches, warm weather, the arts, and grouper sandwiches. What's not to like about Sarasota, Florida? What more could you want? With so much to offer, nothing adds more value to an active lifestyle in Sarasota than dance classes.

As the dance experts in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Tampa areas, we've got all the answers to your pressing questions:

• The best dance studios for active adults
• Group classes for adults
• Private ballroom lessons for adults
• Social dancing events

And that's just a small taste of what Sarasota offers for dancing. So, let's jump in and break shake a leg!

Choosing a Dance Studio Near Sarasota

Sarasota is home to many different dance studios and teaching styles. You've got the Latin shops that cater specifically to salsa and bachata, Argentine Tango, or any other specific genre of dance. Then you have the "big box" franchises that offer a myriad of ballroom styles for beginners.

Here at SouL Dance Studio, we consider ourselves a boutique studio. With over 20 years of expertise and professional experience in nearly every dance style you can imagine, we offer amazing value for all levels of dance instruction.

Our first recommendation for choosing a studio starts with your goals and knowing what to look for. To help you decide, follow these steps:

• What do the studio's reviews look like? Make sure you check out Google or Trustpilot to find out whether they are a reputable dance studio. Read recent reviews from students.
• How experienced is your dance instructor? Not all studios hire experienced instructors. Many will offer jobs to candidates with very little dance experience to fill the need for increased instructional demand. Be sure you're getting lessons from the main instructor, or one that has been properly trained.
• Are you just another number? Many large franchises charge an arm and a leg with a very restricted curriculum. Boutique studios, on the other hand, can build custom curricula to fit the needs of each customer, often building lasting relationships with students.
• Location, location, location! Often the commitment to adult dance classes can become a burden if the studio is too far away. With locations in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, SouL Dance is a convenient option for staying on track with your dance lessons. Be sure to pick a location that's close enough for you to drive to each week.
• Does your studio offer community support? As an active adult, community matters! One of the best ways to build on your progress as a dancer is to practice what you learn in a social setting. Make sure your studio offers group classes, open practice sessions, showcases, and events.

Group Dance Classes for Adults

Group classes are a fun and fulfilling way to get involved with dance. As adults, it can be difficult to find ways to connect socially. But dancing has a way of bringing people together in a positive and relaxed atmosphere. Not to mention, it can be great exercise!

When looking for adult dance classes, expect to find most studios offering evening classes around 6-8 pm on weekdays. For example, here's a typical weekly schedule for group classes at SouL Dance Studio:

What to Expect with Group Classes

Group classes are a great way to gain exposure to social dancing, but there is a certain etiquette expected in group classes. Let's touch on a few things to consider when coming to class:

1. You don't need a partner to join a group class. That's what makes them great. Participants are rotated so that no one gets stuck with a single partner, and everyone gets to experience a variety of competency levels.
2. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. If it's a rhythm class, try heeled dance shoes, and for ballroom wear closed-toe shoes. The more you progress, the more you'll want to invest in your attire.
3. What ages are group lessons suitable for? All ages. But most group classes are held by adults. We typically see men and women from the ages of 30 up to the ages of 80! All ages are welcome and capable of enjoying group classes.
4. Group classes typically last around 45 minutes to an hour. At SouL Dance, we love to stay in this range to get the most out of our time together, while not exhausting ourselves.
5. Don't worry if you miss a class! Although our group lessons are usually built on a progression that adds new patterns each week, we like to review for each new session.
6. Lastly, give attention to the little details. No one likes to dance closely with bad breath or strong odors. Brush those teeth and bring mints! And don't go too heavy on the Old Spice! ;-)

Most studios offer a variety of dance styles for group lessons. Here are just a few that we offer at SouL Dance:

Group Lessons: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Bachata, Cha-Cha, Salsa, and more!

Are Private Dance Lessons Good for Adults?

Absolutely! Private lessons offer many benefits over and above group classes. For example, you should expect a personalized and curated learning experience that fits your skill level.

While private dance lessons are the most efficient way to learn, at SouL Dance we take a holistic approach and combine both private lessons and group classes to build on your foundation of success.

What to Expect with Private Ballroom Dance Lessons?

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced-level dancer who competes, you should expect instruction that fits your goals.

As a beginner, we guide you through the basics of ballroom dancing, exploring many different styles before pursuing a strong foundation in the styles of your choice.

For more ambitious and experienced dancers, we guide you through a training process that prepares you to compete and excel at the highest of levels.

Whatever your level of experience, you should expect an exciting atmosphere focused on the process of learning, positive feedback, and guidance.

Here's a short list of the types of dances you can expect from a reputable adult dance studio:

Ballroom: Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Salsa-Mambo, Samba, Bachata, Merengue, Pasodoble, Night Club Two Step

Check out our private lesson page for more details!

Which Dance Form Is Best for Adults?

Choosing which dance style is best for adults is a bit subjective. The truth is, any style of dance is a great choice. The better question to ask might be, “What style of dance would YOU like?” Therein lies the answer.

We recommend becoming acquainted with multiple dance styles. This exposure gives you a lot to choose from and helps you find a style that resonates with your own personality.

For example, do you like the lively rhythm of Salsa, or the slow progression of Waltz? Neither of these styles are inherently better for adults. It’s simply a matter of choice and connection with the movement. After all, most dances will require the same amount of physical ability.

What Dance Style Is Easiest for Adults to Learn?

Some dance styles are more difficult to learn than others. The simplest dances to learn are Merengue, Bachata, Nightclub Two-step, Push-Pull, and Rumba. The level of difficulty only appears as you begin to add complexity to these dances.

Ballroom style will require more athletic ability and the development of strong posture. This can be more challenging for adults who are less physically active. However, if you like the challenge, smooth dances like Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz can help you get into great shape.

The trick to making any dance style easier to learn is having an instructor who builds a quality foundation on the basics. Then with consistency, you’ll be able to add more difficult patterns and moves to that firm foundation.

How Do I Start Dancing as an Adult?

It’s as simple as signing up for a class. Many dance studio’s offer beginner packages to let you get your feet wet. Group classes are also a fun way to experience the world of dancing affordably.

At SouL Dance, we offer an introductory lesson to show you a handful of styles you may have never experienced before. It’s a fun way to take your first steps and gain exposure. Then, together, we create a plan around your goals and aspirations for dancing.

Where to Find Dance Classes for Adults

While we prefer our own fabulous dance classes here in Sarasota, here is a list of other places you might explore:

1. Local Dance Studios: Check for dance studios in your local area. Many studios offer classes for adults in various dance styles such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, salsa, and more.
2. Community Centers: Some community centers or recreational facilities may offer adult dance classes. Check with your local community center or city's parks and recreation department.
3. Gyms and Fitness Centers: Some fitness centers include dance classes as part of their group fitness programs. Inquire at your gym about the availability of dance classes.
4. Online Platforms: Explore online platforms that offer virtual dance classes. Websites like DancePlug and Steezy have classes for various skill levels and dance styles.
5. Meetup Groups: Check Meetup.com for local dance groups or events. You might find informal dance meetups or social dance events in your area.
6. Local Events and Festivals: Attend local dance events, festivals, or performances. Often, organizers or performers provide information about dance classes or workshops.
7. Dance Conventions and Workshops: Explore dance conventions and workshops happening in your region. These events often feature classes with renowned instructors in various dance styles.
8. College or University Classes: Check if nearby colleges or universities offer adult education or community education classes that include dance.

No matter how you get involved with dance, we hope your journey is as fun and exciting as it has been for us. We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have about dancing. Schedule a call with us today!